I'm Sioux Roslawski and this is my blog about writing, dogs, grown-up children, menopause, the joy of a marvelous book, classroom teaching in general, and specifically, the teaching of writing. You can email me at sroslawski(at)yahoo(dot)com.

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Social Commentary in a Picture Book

A little-known children's book is Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People, and War. It's a book that is read over the radio every year in Japan, in hopes that peace will remain and war will never return...

It is a simple (and true) story. When the war was going on, the authorities worried that if the Tokyo zoo was bombed, the animals would get loose, causing even more injuries. So, they systematically began to euthanize the animals.

When they got to the elephants, injections did not work; their hide was too tough. They had to resort to starving the elephants to death.

Needless to say, it is a heartbreaking story. The elephants have no idea why they are not getting food. They do tricks, trying to please their trainers. In the end, I am always sitting in a pool of tears...

What are books that you use to jar students into digging deep into their conscience? What are some titles that have moved your kids? I would love to hear what your recommendations are...